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FEATURES

PROCUREMENT
What Goes in the PCB RFQ Checklist?
Want a quick response to the PCB assembly RFQ? Match the documentation that engineering has, plus the implementation that marketing envisions, plus the ramp time the boss has in mind.
by Robert Simon

DESIGN VALIDATION
Design for Reliability with Computer Modeling
The most comprehensive analysis can best be done virtually using computer modeling of the PCB in the intended environment, revealing weaknesses prior to fabrication.
by Dr. Randy Schueller and Cheryl Tulkoff

ROBOTICS
Product for Robotics Manufacturing
Robotics has received an increase of attention in the media thanks to overall advances in the technology. A look at the key areas of design for robotics manufacturing (DFRM), and recommendations for products transitioning from the design to production phase.
by Scott Mazur

AQUEOUS TECHNOLOGIES
Good Chemistry
Mike Konrad has gone from garage to penthouse cleaning up after other engineers.
by Chelsey Drysdale

SOLDER MATERIALS
Flux Impact on Void Reduction in Bottom Terminated Components
Excessive voiding inhibits heat transfer between the thermal pad on the QFN and the PWB pad. Can improved flux coatings on solder preforms reduce the defect?
by Seth Homer and Dr. Ronald C. Lasky

END-MARKETS
The Emerging Market for Intelligent Self-Service Kiosks
Originally electromechanical in design and largely electronic today, DIY machines will ring up big sales for some EMS/ODMs.
by Randall Sherman

FIRST PERSON

• CAVEAT LECTOR
  Broken eggs.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  The future in 3-D.
  Peter Bigelow

TECH TALK

• ON THE FOREFRONT
  Organic substrates.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• GETTING LEAN
  Lean DfM.
  Yousef Heidari

• SCREEN PRINTING
  Applying adhesives.
  Michael Martel

• TECH TIPS
  Flux standard in flux.
  Karl Seelig and Tim O’Neill

• TEST AND INSPECTION
  A failure of analysis?
  Robert Boguski

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FEATURES

STENCIL CLEANING
Reducing Stencil Wipe Frequency
Do nanocoatings really extend stencil underwipe intervals? As part of a stencil study, two nanocoated fine-grain stencils were evaluated using a complex test vehicle. The investigators expected a tenfold extension of wipe intervals would show a definite decline in print quality. The results were amazing – and unexpected.
by Chrys Shea and Ray Whittier

REFLOW PROFILING
The Basics of Thermal Profiling for Sensitive Components
Today’s boards are designed with a broad mix of large and small parts, which complicates development of the right thermal profile. Finding a temperature setting that’s acceptable to both larger and smaller packages, while juggling tradeoffs and special considerations, is a balancing act. Here’s how to navigate it.
by Simon Ilustre

PARTNERSHIPS
A Systems-Level Approach to Product Development
Are OEMs missing out on technology improvements because of disconnects with their primary suppliers? And if so, could a change in the structure between the two groups serve to expedite the rate of new technology development and implementation?
by Matt Perry and Zhiwei Cai

FIRST PERSON

• CAVEAT LECTOR
  All in one.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  New attitudes.
  Peter Bigelow

• FOCUS ON BUSINESS
  Freshen up.
  Susan Mucha

TECH TALK

• SCREEN PRINTING
  Paste management.
  Clive Ashmore

• TEST AND INSPECTION
  Buy or rent?
  Yang Hua

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FEATURES

DISPENSING
A Robust Process Solution for Shield Edge Interconnect
A new process for RF shielding on compact electronic communications devices using automated solder paste dispensing, known as Shield Edge Interconnect, enable parts to be processed through underfill before placing the RF shield, and maximizes use of PCB real estate.
by Rajiv L. Iyer and Michael L. Martel

HAND SOLDERING
10 Things to Know about Soldering Iron Tip Maintenance
Lead-free solder is no friend to iron plating, but an understanding of the composition of soldering iron tips can lead to many ways to extend their life.
by Ray Cirimele

PRODUCTRONICA RECAP
Big and Small in Munich
It’s nearly impossible to summarize the aggregate interest of 1,200 exhibitors and 38,000 attendees. But 03015 components would certainly be a start. A review of the industry's flagship trade show.
by Mike Buetow

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
What is 'Reengineering?'
All the people who need to work together to produce a great product are in the same organization, receiving the same marching orders from the same boss, and are—ideally—in the same room. So how come this doesn't always lead to a smoother, faster product delivery that better satisfies the customer’s needs?
by Bob Kotcher

FIRST PERSON

• CAVEAT LECTOR
  What was BlackBerry thinking?
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  An end to repetition.
  Peter Bigelow

TECH TALK

• TECH TIPS
  Why SnCuNi can be cool(er.)
  Karl Seelig and Tim O’Neill

• TEST AND INSPECTION
  Putting a price on “value-added.”
  Robert Boguski

• DEFECTS DATABASE
  Stirred up from shaking.
  Dr. Chris Hunt

• GETTING LEAN
  Regional variations.
  Hom-Ming Chang